Last week, over 7,000 Filipino and international gamers gathered in Manila, Philippines, for the YGG Play Summit, the largest Web3 gaming event focused on players. The event emphasized the crucial role of content creators in shaping the future of Web3 gaming, offering a platform for collaboration, education, and professional development.
Content creators have moved beyond hobbyists to become professionals who craft engaging narratives, build communities, and bridge the gap between games, brands, and players. Unlike traditional gaming influencers, Web3 creators also educate audiences on complex technologies and concepts like digital asset ownership. This profession is increasingly recognized as a legitimate career path, requiring a blend of creativity and business acumen. The YGG Play Summit celebrated the contributions of content creators from the Philippines and across the globe.
The Role of Content Creators in Web3 Gaming
“In Web3, there are the builders, the gamers, and the creators. Creators are especially important because they are the front-facing people who keep the gaming space alive. They provide not just entertainment but also educational value,” said YellowPanther, co-founder of Gaming Grid and Ambassador to the YGG Play Summit. He was named GAM3S.GG 2024 Content Creator of the Year at the first in-person GAM3 Awards ceremony during the summit.
YellowPanther encouraged aspiring creators: “With more games launching, there are so many opportunities to be a creator. For anyone interested to get into it, all they need to do is start posting and stay consistent—their next piece of content might just go viral.”
As Content Creator of the Year, YellowPanther succeeded Sam Steffanina, who won the GAM3S.GG title in 2023. Steffanina, co-founder of the WolvesDAO collective, also attended the summit with co-founder Payton Kaleiwahea. During the event, WolvesDAO hosted the first CreatorDEN, a dedicated space for 15 Web3 gaming content creators to collaborate and receive education. Popular creators like iceyyy_gaming, MatDefies, dub, and others took part in this initiative.
“Creators drive awareness and engagement and play a pivotal role in shaping the narratives and communities that fuel the Web3 gaming industry’s growth,” said Steffanina. He emphasized the importance of supporting YGG’s mission and amplifying its vision during the event.
Web3 Content Creators in Action
YGG-affiliated content creators, or Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), played a key role in the development and presentation of the YGG Play Summit. KOLs like Sedano, Excelsor, Munchies, Stephy, and Ruth hosted various activities, including esports tournaments, show matches, game demos, and discussion panels. A Creator Masterclass was also offered by YGG’s Web3 Metaversity, where experts like Carlo Ople, Kyroh, and Kookoo Crypto shared tips on promoting authenticity, building communities, and creating engaging content for Web3 audiences.
To encourage Web2 content creators to join the Web3 space, the invite-only MatchPlay speed networking event brought nearly 70 creators to meet with Web3 gaming companies. Participating companies included Pixelmon, TRALA LAB, SpaceNation, and others. The event featured a panel with cosplay queen Myrtle Sarossa and content expert Een Mercado, who shared their experience and offered guidance to newcomers in Web3.
Highlighting Filipino Content Creators
A key moment of the summit was the premiere of Metaverse Filipino Worker (MFW), a 38-minute short film that highlighted how Web3 can provide career opportunities for Filipinos who wish to stay in their home country. The film featured members of the YGG Pilipinas community who transitioned to content creation as a paid profession, including Community Managers, Esports Captains, Guild Leaders, and others.
The summit also included Leaders Roundtable sessions, where founders, developers, and other industry professionals discussed the ethics and values of KOLs in Web3. Topics included marketing effectiveness, transparency, and how to handle misinformation. These discussions will form the basis of a report to be released in 2025.
Game Jam and Cosplay Competitions
The event featured a Game Jam, where 35 teams competed for a PHP 500,000 prize pool. The competition included two tracks: a Beginners Track for students and a Professionals Track for experienced developers. The winning teams were G?Ka and Kusho Guardians. Kusho Guardians, a blockchain-based game, features AI-driven NPCs represented as digital collectibles with their own crypto wallets.
Additionally, a cosplay competition attracted participants from across the country. Izaiah Buelos took home the top prize of PHP 35,000 for his portrayal of KAY/O from Valorant. Cosplay events showcased the connection between Web3 gaming and real-world experiences, demonstrating that content creation in Web3 takes many forms.
At the YGG Play Summit, it was clear how content creators are central to shaping narratives, building communities, and driving adoption in the Web3 gaming industry. The event’s success highlighted the importance of collaboration among industry leaders, creators, and players.
The summit was made possible with the support of Title sponsors Hyperplay and Mantle, and Diamond Sponsors Ubisoft and Coins.ph, all of whom are committed to advancing Web3.
